Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre

 Wulanda is an extraordinary building born from the Mount Gambier community’s bold vision to create a future-proof community hub that will not only last for 60 years but will generate a legacy that will boost the city’s wellbeing and economic outlook. 

Wulanda, meaning ‘enjoy or cherish’ in Bunganditj, is a gathering place in Mount Gambier to participate in sports, recreation, community activities and events.

In a first for Mount Gambier and the Limestone Coast, Wulanda provides year-round aquatic facilities, including a revamped outdoor 50m pool and brand new indoor 25m pool, splash pad, warm-water program pool, and learn to swim pool.

Wulanda provides community spaces with facilities and activities for all ages and abilities, including children, families, youth, community groups, recreational and organised sports and those with special needs.

Accessibility is a crucial design feature of the facility. An example is a retractable screen for the program pool, allowing privacy, sound, and light control to address users’ needs.

There are six courts at Wulanda, consisting of three timber show courts and three multipurpose courts for sporting and event purposes, along with a quality fitness program room and health club.

There is a first-floor multipurpose meeting room overlooking the pools, which can seat 200 people.

Mount Gambier now has a home for large-scale indoor concerts, with a capacity for 2000 patrons in the multipurpose bank of courts, complete with retractable tiered seating and VIP viewing from level one.

Wulanda increases Mount Gambier’s profile and ability to host major sporting competitions, conferences, events and performances, providing significant social and economic benefits.

Throughout the build, Wulanda has benefitted local trades and contractors by more than $22 million. This spend does not account for the corresponding investment in hospitality and accommodation venues by visiting businesses and services.

Olympic medallist and world champion Madi Wilson opened the 2023 Country Swimming Championships at Wulanda and said “It’s crazy for me to be here and see this facility – it’s absolutely incredible. You are so lucky to be able to swim in a facility like this – it is definitely closing the gap between country and city”.

Wulanda responds to the community’s desire for quality aquatics and flexible sporting and event spaces. It will stand the test of time in reinforcing the City of Mount Gambier and this region as a unique and preferred destination.

Wulanda is an affordable community space that will serve Mount Gambier for multiple generations.

Wulanda was delivered with the assistance of our funding partners, the Commonwealth and State Government, and our neighbouring Council, District Council of Grant.

Information and photos provided by Maddi Brookes, Communications Officer, City of Mount Gambier